Online ReporterCuthworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLY-RATED striker Patrick “Mboma” Khumbula has resurfaced in the Northern Region Soccer League where he is expected to lead the Black Rhinos quest for honours during the 2025 season.
Khumbula was among 24 new players unveiled by Rhinos ahead of their 2025 campaign.
Tatenda Mchisa, Mctonomy Mahodobi, Willard Zakeyo, Pride Mukombwe, Sylon Chikwerengwe, and Prince Mutasa are the only remaining ones from last year’s squad.
Rhinos, who are seeking to challenge for the championship after fizzling out of last year’s race, also unveiled their new kit during a function held in Harare, Wednesday night.
The Army side partnered with Chitora Sports – a South African based company owned by a Zimbabwean, which sponsored their kit and track suits.
Club chairman Wellington Mabiginye, who took over the reins from Edward Mutukwa, said he will strive to create an enabling environment for the club to succeed.
“We will strive to create an enabling environment for those who would want to see us succeed.
“We want to give our best to the club for maximum performance, on and off the field. It’s my promise to work very hard to achieve all our goals.
“Work will be the talk of the day.
“As you know I couldn’t manage to play for this team, but coming in as an administrator gives me an equal chance to shine and push back to our glory days,” he said.
Guest of honour Ansalem Sanyatwe, was represented by Augustine Chipwere, said they are dedicated to providing all the requisite resources for the club to return to topflight.
“We undertake to provide you with the requirements that will see you return to the PSL.
“We expect professionalism and hard work. With commitment and dedication, we will achieve the desired end state of returning to the PSL”
The event saw a number of legendary Black Rhinos legends turn up, including Maronga Nyangela who urged the players to uphold the club’s history and tradition.
“Black Rhinos is a club with a rich history and tradition.
“I urge younger players to uphold that tradition and history. We are strongly behind you,” he said.
The NRSL is expected to kick off next month.
The league was scheduled to begin on March 23, but that has since been pushed to April 5 as inspections revealed that several venues earmarked for championship matches were not ready.
Black Rhinos are scheduled to face Golden Eagles away in their opening encounter.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Richard Chimhinga, Blessing Madzimure, Onismo Matava
Defenders: Prince Mutasa, Tatenda Mchisa, Clive Kufahandiuye, Guidance Charinda, Isaac Zirombwa, Byron Madzokere, Humphrey Kamudyariwa, Bevin Makandise, Ernest Mativenga, Shawn Chingwere.
Midfielders: Willard Zakeyo, Christopher Makura, William Kapumha ,Paul Ngwenya ,Admire Banda ,Mactonomy Mahodobi, Donald Kumwenda , Pride Mukombwe, Moses Makovere, Ignatious Mavende, Shaneray Mandaza, Joko Muringayi ,Sylon Chikwerengwe
Strikers: Nigel Hunga, Patrick Khumbula, Shelton Mhaka
